Sayyid An-Nu’ayman ibn ‘Amr (RA) belonged to a tribe in Madinah. He was one of the early Muslims of the city when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) migrated to the city. He had pledged his allegiance to the Prophet in the famous Second Pledge of al-Aqabah. He had then formed a close bond with the Makkan Muslims when he had married a Muslimah (female Muslim) among them.

He was a fierce veteran, and had fought in all the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandaq (Trench), and other major encounters. However, he was a light-heart man and he enjoyed playing practical jokes on others, including the Prophet himself!

Everyone has one problem or another that they are battling with. For Sayyid An-Nu’ayman, it was alcohol. A time had come in his life when he had taken up drinking. Alcohol became banned in Islam but this Companion persisted. Once he was caught, and the Prophet (SAW) had him flogged. He was caught drinking the second time and he was flogged again. The third, the Prophet (SAW) ordered him to be flogged with shoes. Then the Prophet (SAW) said,

“If he goes back (to drinking), then kill him.”

This was a severe reprimand, and Umar bin Khattab (who was among the Prophet’s closest companions) was angered by An-Nu’ayman and said, “May Allah’s curse be upon him!” But the Prophet (PBUH) immediately stopped him and said,

“No, no, don’t do (such a thing). Indeed he loves God and His Apostle. The major sin (as this) does not put one out of the community and the mercy of God is close to the believers.”

And here I would like to take a moment of your time. In our world today, many non-Muslims are misinformed that Islam is ruled by the sword and a bloodthirsty Shariah. But the Prophet (PBUH) had first forbade him, then had a physical punishment handed out to him, and when the companion still persisted, he finally ordered the death if An-Nu’ayman went back to his habit. Shariah does not mean to kill and plunder, it is meant to be there as a warning, but if the person persists, then judgement should be given.

Now, An-Nu’ayman was not a conceited man. He was open and honest. He had acknowledged his drinking and was the kind of a man to repent for his crimes. The Prophet had held hope for him and sure enough, An-Nu’ayman left his drinking habits.

He had played many jokes in his time, and keep in mind this man is a strong Muslim, a battle veteran and a married man. Many non-Muslims nowadays (and Muslims as well) think that all Muslims are sober, angry and bitter people. However, this companion’s personality was completely otherwise.

Once he was sent on an expedition with the other companions. Abu Bakr As-Siddque, the Prophet’s best friend, was the leader of the expedition. Like all military units, everyone in the expedition was given fixed duties throughout the journey. Suwaybit ibn Harmalah was made responsible for food, provisions and their rationing.

Along the way, our companion became hungry and went to Suwaybit to ask for food. But Suwaybit refused. Now, An-Nu’ayman threatened him and warned him, but Suwaybit continued to refuse,

Hungry but unable to reach the food, An-Nu’ayman turned to the slave traders that were travelling in a caravan close to their own (In those times in Arabia, caravans would join together in a travel for the sake of convenience though they would not know each other). He told them he had a strong sturdy slave to sell that was capable of heavy labour and asked if they were interested in his offer. They agreed.

“He has got a ready tongue and is very articulate.” He warned them. “He would resist you and say “I am free” but do not listen to him.”

The slavers agreed and followed An-Nu’ayman who walked seriously in a business-like manner. The transaction was made, and the slavers paid the price and followed An-Nu’ayman to where the ‘slave’ would be. An-Nu’ayman took the slavers to the camp and pointed at Suwaybit, “This is the slave whom I sold to you.”

The slavers grabbed the poor man and started to drag him by the neck! Suwaybit protested for his freedom.

“I am free. I am Suwaybit ibn Harmalah…”

Keep in mind that the brotherhood between the Muslims in those times ran deep. But An-Nu’ayman did not laugh or batter an eyelid but continued to stand seriously. The companions realized what was happening when they saw Suwaybit dragged out of the camp and rushed to get Abu Bakr, who came as fast as he could. He quickly explained what had occurred and their money was given back to them. when the slavers left, Abu Bakr and the companions laughed heartily. Among those laughing, was Suwaybit ibn Harmalah himself. When they returned to Madinah and narrated the story to the Prophet, they laughed even more.

The second time he was in the market and he found a vendor who was selling soup. He tasted it and told the vendor, “Take this to the Prophet.” And so the vendor did. After the Prophet found out the soup was sent from An-Nu’ayman, he and his household ate. The vendor went to An-Nu’ayman and asked for his payment. An-Nu’ayman protested that it was not he who ate the food and he should ask for his payment from the Prophet (SAW). So the vendor returned to the Prophet (SAW). The Messenger of Allah called An-Nuayman.

“Didn’t you give it to me?” He asked.

“Yes,” replied An-Nu’ayman. “I thought you would like it and I wanted you to eat some of it so I had it presented to you. But I do not have any dirhams to pay the vendor for it. So pay, O Messenger of Allah!!”

The Prophet (SAW) had a good laugh at his own expense and paid the vendor. An-Nu’ayman had achieved two benefits from this; the Prophet and his family ate good food and there was laughter.

His jokes were purely harmless and well-meaning, for he did not let his practical jokes to insult or mock anyone. The Companions enjoyed his company when he was up and about his mischiefs. Once he even played a prank on Makramah, causing the blind old man to be vengeful of An-Nu’ayman. So An-Nu’ayman pulled a prank on him again by changing his voice and leading to Uthman ibn Affan (RA), who was the Caliph of the time, while he was praying and said he was An-Nu’ayman. The old man beat the Caliph with his stick and had to be pulled away. In spite of the heavy blows he had suffered, Uthman had laughed heartedly at the Companion’s mischief.

But then the years passed by and wealth flowed heavily in the Muslims’ hands. An-Nu’ayman witnessed Islam spread and with it came the lax Muslims. He grieved over their fate and laughed no more.